Women call on Clegg to think again over pensions

A GROUP of women came together at Nick Clegg’s Sheffield office to oppose planned changes to pensions which could make 500,000 women worse-off.

The protesters, including Janet Hague, one of the Sheffield Hallam MP’s constituents, handed a petition containing 10,000 signatures to staff at Mr Clegg’s office in Nether Green.

Signatories from across the country fear that up to half a million women born in 1953 and 1954 could lose up to £15,000 if the Pensions Bill becomes law.

Janet, aged 55, from Whirlow, said: “I worked as an accountant but gave up three years ago to look after my dad. I had planned to receive my pension at 60, then it was put back to 65 and now 66. The only thing I can do to cover my living costs is use my capital.

“It’s been suggested I could take Job Seekers’ allowance or get a job in a shop but not everyone wants that. It’s not fair when you have worked hard and planned to retire at a certain date for things to be changed.” Protesters want Mr Clegg to oppose sections of the Pensions Bill which propose the changes when it is voted on in Parliament.